About Me

Most of my early life was spent on horseback. I showed horses, competed in Florida High School Rodeo, and earned a scholarship to compete on a college rodeo team in North Texas. Those years taught me patience, determination, and the value of hard work.

After nearly two years in Texas, I returned to Florida and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following basic training in San Antonio, I attended firefighter training at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. I was proud to be one of the few women serving as a military firefighter at that time.

My first duty station was San Vito, Italy, where I met my husband, Billy, a fellow firefighter working on the opposite shift. He pursued me for almost a year before I finally agreed to our first official date. Three months later, we were married in Italy on August 28, 1992. This year, we are celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary.

Today, Billy works beside me every day at Butterball Kennel. Sharing the responsibilities, challenges, and joy of caring for our dogs with my husband and best friend makes this journey even more meaningful.

Butterball Kennel is proudly Veteran-owned and operated. Our Russell Terriers are part of our family and our everyday lives. Raising, loving, and showing them continues my lifelong passion for animals and a family tradition that has lasted for more than 40 years.

Jodi Gray
United States Air Force Veteran
Butterball Kennel — Citra, Florida